There are 29 cars listed, with models as varied as the Porsche Panamera super-saloon and the hybrid Honda Insight vying to take the accolade won by the Vauxhall Insignia last year.

But which will win? Here’s four of our picks – make your prediction below.

Stuart Milne, deputy web editor: “The Mazda 3 is my tip for top honours in the European Car of the Year awards.

“It represents a staggering leap forward over the old car, and offers Audi levels of build quality and near Focus levels of driver involvement. The diesel engines are worthy of special mention with their sublime levels of refinement, a good slab of performance and excellent fuel economy.”

Keith Collantine, expert guide editor: “The Toyota IQ is exactly the kind of quirky and innovative car that does well in awards like this.

“It may be Japanese but it exudes European city car cool. It;s been very cleverly designed to offer maximum space for passengers in a tightly-packaged car, and the engineers deserve credit.”

Adrian Hearn, senior web journalist: “The Volkswagen Polo is fantastic looking and driving car and VW are overdue a win. There were no nominations for Fiat or Alfa so this could be their year.”